I have a 2003 Durango 4x4 SXT with 4.7 V8. My wife started it up yesterday and I noticed a noise that sounded like an exhaust leak. When I checked it when she got home from work it didn't make the sound. Now this morning it made it again. I think it is coming from the donut gasket on the drivers side but I'm not sure. Anyone had this problem before? If so how much was the fix? The dealer wants to keep it for a few days to SEE if they can find it. I don't trust the dealer here in Bryan,Tx. I had another 03 Durango that had a recall on it for the balljoints and it took over a month to get it fixed. Anyway, Any help would be appreciated

It might be the back two exhaust bolts broken. 4.7 are known for that. I had to replace both left and right exhaust manifold gaskets and studs. You can remove the bolts to the header, pull it back enough where you can remove the broken stud(s). Use a pair of vice grips and you can get the broken studs off ,if your lucky, or use your fingers. Its a pain in the *** to do on the driverside. Hope this helps ya. If you have any more questions let me know.

X2. Project_dog hit the bolt on the head first time up.
Check there first and let us know what you find.

IndyDurango

Thanks Indy

Got to looking under hood and found a broken bolt on the manifold at the head. Called a few places including the local dealer and as usual they had lost their mind. They wanted to remove the head without even so much as looking at the vehicle. They said that was the easiest way to fix it. Called a local shop that a friend told me about and after talking with them I took it in and am waiting on the call to pick it up. said it could be fixed today. And that MOST of the time they DON'T have to remove the head. Under normal circumstances I would try to fix it myself but I don't have time or patience. "alot on my mind lately" Anyway I will let y'all know the outcome.

Take it to a exhaust shop. They should be able to remove the manifold, extract the bolt, install a gasket, and install it. They can also check your donut gasket.

The shop called and said it would be about $150.00 to do the bolt extraction and replace gasket on that side of the engine. I have been doing alot of reading about this problem. It seems like it might be some sort of design flaw or something. I have read in different forums that this is a very common problem on the 4.7 V8 in Durangos. Yet no recall on it. Thanks for the help.

IF it were a common problem which I don't think it is that bad, it doesn't pose a threat to human life or possible disaster so it wouldn't have a recall issued.


Anyway, $150 bucks is a good deal IMHO.........

150 bucks, wow do it yourself. you can buy the studs and the gasket for like 25 bucks.

Very glad to know we were able to pinpoint the issue for you right away.

To have it done... that's a good deal. Get it done, double check the other side and move on.

Uhh... yea. The design flaw is called the 4.7l. j/k

Indy_5.9L_Durango